U.S. patent application number 17/320670 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-18 for aerosol matter collection device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Franck Binard, Nathalie Durot, Stephane Rouillard.
Application Number | 20210356364 17/320670 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005766885 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210356364 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Durot; Nathalie ; et
al. |
November 18, 2021 |
Aerosol Matter Collection Device
Abstract
A system and process for collecting aerosol matter samples is
disclosed. The system includes a circular sample cartridge holder
that contains a plurality of sample cartridges. Each sample
cartridge contains a filter media for collecting aerosol matter
samples. The system further includes a docking device for receiving
an aerosol-generating system. The docking device places the
aerosol-generating system in engagement with one of the sample
cartridges. The aerosol matter collecting system further includes
an aerosol withdrawing device that causes a controlled puff volume
to flow through a sample cartridge for collecting an aerosol matter
sample. The system can be completely automated and can collect
samples on a puff by puff basis. The system and process are well
suited to analyzing aerosols collected heated tobacco product
system, but can also be used to test smoking articles, such as
cigarettes, or any other device or product such as e cigarette that
produces an aerosol.
Inventors: |
Durot; Nathalie; (Le Mans,
FR) ; Rouillard; Stephane; (Le Mans, FR) ;
Binard; Franck; (Le Mans, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. |
Alpharetta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005766885 |
Appl. No.: |
17/320670 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63025620 |
May 15, 2020 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 1/2205 20130101;
G01N 2001/2223 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 1/22 20060101
G01N001/22 |
Claims
1. An aerosol matter collection device comprising: a sample
cartridge holder configured to hold a plurality of sample
cartridges, each sample cartridge comprising a housing defining an
interior volume, a filter material being positioned in the interior
volume, the sample cartridge including an entrance on one side of
the filter material and an exit on an opposite side of the filter
material; a docking device for receiving an aerosol-generating
stick and device, the docking device and the sample cartridge
holder being moveable relative to each other such that an
aerosol-generating device consecutively engages the entrance of
each sample cartridge held by the sample cartridge holder; an
aerosol withdrawing device positioned opposite the docking device
for engaging the exit of each consecutive sample cartridge held
within the sample cartridge holder, the aerosol withdrawing device
being configured to collect a controlled volume of aerosol matter
generated by an aerosol-generating system loaded onto the docking
device, the controlled puff volume being forced through the filter
cartridge for collecting an aerosol matter sample on the filter
material contained within the filter cartridge.
2. An aerosol matter sample collection device as defined in claim
1, wherein the sample cartridge holder comprises a rotatable wheel
having a circumference, the sample cartridges being positioned
along the circumference of the wheel.
3. An aerosol matter collection device as defined in claim 1,
wherein the sample cartridge holder is capable of holding from
about 6 sample cartridges to about 20 sample cartridges.
4. An aerosol matter collection device as defined in claim 1,
wherein the docking device is moveable towards and away from the
sample cartridge holder for engaging consecutive sample cartridges,
and wherein the sample cartridge holder is moveable for positioning
consecutive sample cartridges in front of the docking device.
5. An aerosol matter collection device as defined in claim 1,
wherein the sample collection holder includes a first outer cover
spaced from a second outer cover, the plurality of sample
cartridges being held in between the first outer cover and the
second outer cover in a spaced apart relationship.
6. An aerosol matter collection device as defined in claim 1,
further comprising a controller, the controller being in
communication with the docking device and the sample cartridge
holder and being configured to move the docking device and the
sample cartridge holder in a synchronized manner.
7. An aerosol matter collection device as defined in claim 6,
wherein the controller is also in communication with the aerosol
withdrawing device and is configured to control the aerosol
withdrawing device for periodically collecting a puff of aerosol
from an aerosol-generating system positioned on the docking
device.
8. An aerosol matter collection device as defined in claim 6,
wherein the controller comprises one or more microprocessors.
9. An aerosol matter collection device as defined in claim 6,
wherein the controller is configured to: (a) move the docking
device into engagement with a filter cartridge contained in the
sample cartridge holder; (b) control the aerosol withdrawing device
for collecting a puff of aerosol from an aerosol-generating device
positioned on the docking device, the puff of aerosol flowing
through the sample cartridge for collecting a sample on the filter
material contained within the sample cartridge; (c) disengaging the
docking device from the sample cartridge held on the sample
cartridge holder; (d) moving the sample cartridge holder such that
the next consecutive sample cartridge is in alignment with the
docking device; (e) repeating steps (a) through (d) for collecting
further aerosol samples in each of the consecutive sample
cartridges.
10. An aerosol matter collection device as defined in claim 1,
wherein the aerosol withdrawing device is configured to collect a
puff of aerosol matter having a volume and wherein the aerosol
withdrawing device is adjustable for adjusting the volume of the
puff.
11. An aerosol matter collection device as defined in claim 1,
wherein the aerosol withdrawing device comprises a plunger moveable
within a cylindrical tube and wherein displacement of the plunger
within the cylindrical tube creates a suction force.
12. An aerosol matter collection device as defined in claim 11,
wherein the aerosol withdrawing device comprises a pneumatic
cylinder.
13. An aerosol matter collection device as defined in claim 11,
further comprising a distance sensor for sensing a distance the
plunger moves in order to control puff volume collected by the
aerosol withdrawing device.
14. An aerosol matter collection device as defined in claim 13,
wherein the distance sensor comprises a laser that is used to
measure the distance the plunger moves.
15. A process for collecting aerosol matter samples from an
aerosol-generating system that generates an aerosol from a material
without combusting the material, the process comprising: (a)
loading material into an aerosol-generating device for heating the
material without combusting the material; (b) moving the
aerosol-generating device into contact with a filter cartridge
loaded on a sample cartridge holder, the sample cartridge
comprising a housing defining an interior volume, a filter material
being positioned in the interior volume, the sample cartridge
including an entrance on one side for receiving the
aerosol-generating device and an exit on an opposite side of the
sample cartridge, the filter material being positioned in between
the entrance and the exit, a plurality of sample cartridges being
loaded on the sample cartridge holder; (c) withdrawing a controlled
puff volume from the exit of the sample cartridge causing a puff of
aerosol matter generation from the aerosol-generating system and
collection on the filter pad of the sample cartridge; (d) moving
the sample cartridge holder so that the next consecutive sample
cartridge is in alignment with the aerosol-generating device; and
(e) repeating steps (a) through (d) for collecting another aerosol
sample.
16. A process as defined in claim 15, wherein at least three puffs
of aerosol matter from the aerosol-generating systems are collected
in separate sample cartridges.
17. A process as defined in claim 15, wherein the filter cartridge
holder comprises a rotatable wheel having a circumference, the
sample cartridges being positioned along the circumference of the
wheel.
18. A process as defined in claim 15, wherein the
aerosol-generating device is placed on a docking device that moves
the aerosol-generating device into and out of contact with filter
cartridges loaded on the sample cartridge holder.
19. A process as defined in claim 15, wherein movement of the
aerosol-generating device and the sample cartridge holder are
controlled automatically by a controller, the controller also being
configured to control an aerosol withdrawing device for collecting
a controlled puff volume from the exit of each sample
cartridge.
20. A process as defined in claim 19, wherein the controller is
configured to control and adjust puff volume, puff duration, and
interpuff duration.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is based upon and claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/025,620, having a
filing date of May 15, 2020, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Recently, consumers have been moving away from conventional
smoking articles, such as cigarettes, that work through the
combustion of a filler, such as a tobacco filler. Instead, various
different aerosol-generating devices have been developed that
generate an aerosol without burning or combusting a substrate. Such
aerosol-generating articles include, for instance, heat not burn
system, e-cigarettes, and the like. In these systems, an
aerosol-forming substrate is heated rather than combusted to
produce an aerosol, which is a suspension of fine solid particles
and/or liquid droplets in a gas (usually air), that can be inhaled
by a user. The aerosol-forming substrate can be a solid and/or a
liquid. For example, in one embodiment, the aerosol-forming
substrate can be a tobacco or a botanical containing material. In
an alternative embodiment, the aerosol-generating substrate can be
a solution containing nicotine and/or tobacco aroma and botanical
extracts. In an alternative embodiment , the aerosol-generating
substrate can be the combination of a tobacco or botanical
substrate with a solution containing tobacco or botanical
extracts.
[0003] Aerosol-generating systems as described above can produce an
aerosol for inhalation by the user while avoiding many drawbacks of
conventional cigarettes. For instance, the aerosol of
aerosol-generating devices may contain lower levels of various
constituents that are produced when a material is combusted, such
as tar. In addition, by not combusting a material,
aerosol-generating devices operate without creating any significant
fire hazards.
[0004] In view of the above, those skilled in the art have been
attempting to refine aerosol-generating systems and the substrates
that are used in the devices in order to produce an aerosol with
controlled amounts of different components. For example, one
reoccurring problem in developing aerosol-generating substrates for
use in aerosol-generating devices is the ability to accurately
control nicotine, tobacco or botanical aroma levels in each puff of
aerosol. Not only are nicotine, tobacco or botanical aroma levels
difficult to control, but the amount of nicotine or other
components contained in each puff of aerosol can vary widely from
puff to puff. For example, in many of the above heated tobacco
products, the deliveries in the first puff of aerosol can be vastly
different than in deliveries in the last puff of aerosol. It is
common, for instance, for the quality of each puff of aerosol
and/or the amount of components in each puff of aerosol to diminish
over time as the aerosol-generating substrate is heated.
[0005] In view of the above, testing equipment is needed in order
to test different aerosol-generating substances or prototypes under
different conditions in order to further improve the overall
product. Unfortunately, however, those skilled in the art have
failed to develop an adequate device for testing and collecting
aerosol matter samples from aerosol-generating devices. Various
testing equipment does exist for obtaining smoke samples from
cigarettes. These testing devices, however, are not suitable for
use with aerosol-generating devices. For instance, as opposed to
solid particles, such as carbon-based solid particles generated by
burning cigarettes, the primary constituent of aerosols generated
from aerosol-generating devices are suspensions of fine solid
particles and/or liquid droplets in a gas.
[0006] Consequently, different testing equipment is needed in order
to collect and analyze aerosol matter samples.
[0007] In view of the above, a need exists for an aerosol matter
collection device that can collect aerosol matter samples from
aerosol-generating systems. A need also exists for an aerosol
matter collection device that is capable of collecting aerosol
matter samples on a puff by puff basis so that one can compare the
analysis of puffs originating from the same aerosol-generating
substrate. In addition, a need exists for a system that can collect
puff per puff samples and limit the number of substrates, such as
sticks, that are required to make an accurate analysis contrary to
conventional systems where the collection of data is realized by
multiplying analysis with cumulative puff or single puff analysis
with specific expensive and time consuming tests, such as gas
chromatography.
SUMMARY
[0008] In general, the present disclosure is directed to an aerosol
matter collection device. The aerosol matter collection device is
particularly well suited to collecting aerosol samples originating
from heat not burn or heated tobacco product and/or e-cigarettes.
The aerosol matter collection device is capable of automatically
collecting each individual aerosol puff originating from a single
aerosol-generating substrate contained in an aerosol-generating
device. The aerosol matter samples are collected on individual
filter pads that are contained in sample cartridges.
[0009] For example, in one embodiment, the present disclosure is
directed to an aerosol matter collection device. The device
includes a sample cartridge holder configured to hold a plurality
of sample cartridges. In one aspect, the sample cartridge holder
comprises a rotatable wheel having a circumference. Sample
cartridges can be positioned along the circumference of the wheel.
The sample cartridge holder, for example, can hold from about six
sample cartridges to about twenty sample cartridges, such as from
about ten sample cartridges to about fifteen sample cartridges. The
sample cartridge holder can include a first cover positioned
opposite a second cover. The sample cartridges can be positioned in
between the first cover and the second cover. The design of the
sample cartridge holder can limit loss or water gain on filter pads
contained within the holder before, during or after testing.
[0010] Each sample cartridge contained in the sample cartridge
holder can include a housing defining an interior volume. A filter
material, such as a filter pad, can be positioned in the interior
volume. The sample cartridge can include an entrance on one side of
the filter material and an exit on an opposite side of the filter
material.
[0011] The aerosol matter collection device can further include a
docking device for receiving an aerosol-generating device that
generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate. The
docking device and the sample cartridge holder can be movable
relative to each other such that an aerosol-generating device
positioned on the docking device consecutively engages the entrance
of each sample cartridge held by the sample cartridge holder. For
example, in one embodiment, the docking device can be movable
towards and away from the sample cartridge holder for engaging
consecutive sample cartridges. The sample cartridge holder, on the
other hand, can move in a rotational direction for positioning
consecutive sample cartridges in front of the docking device.
[0012] The aerosol matter collection device further includes an
aerosol withdrawing device positioned opposite the docketing device
for engaging the exit of each consecutive sample cartridge held
within the sample cartridge holder. The aerosol withdrawing device
is configured to withdraw a controlled volume of aerosol generated
by an aerosol-generating device loaded onto the docking device. The
controlled volume of aerosol is forced through the filter cartridge
for collecting an aerosol sample on the filter material.
[0013] The aerosol matter collection device of the present
disclosure can further include a controller, which may comprise one
or more microprocessors. The controller can be in communication
with the docking device and the sample cartridge holder and can be
configured to move the docking device and the sample cartridge
holder in a synchronized manner. The controller can also be in
communication with the aerosol withdrawing device for controlling
the aerosol withdrawing device for periodically withdrawing a puff
of aerosol from an aerosol-generating device positioned on the
docking device.
[0014] In one embodiment, for example, the controller can be
configured to automatically move the docking device into engagement
with a filter cartridge contained within the sample cartridge
holder. The controller can control the aerosol withdrawing device
for withdrawing a puff of aerosol from an aerosol-generating device
positioned on the docking device. The puff flows through the sample
cartridge for collecting an aerosol matter sample on the filter
material. The controller can then disengage the docking device from
the sample cartridge held on the sample cartridge holder and can
move the sample cartridge holder such that the next consecutive
sample cartridge is in alignment with the sample cartridge holder.
The above process can then be repeated for collecting aerosol
samples on a puff by puff basis in individual sample
cartridges.
[0015] The present disclosure is also directed to a process for
collecting aerosol matter samples from an aerosol-generating device
or system. The aerosol-generating device or system can generate an
aerosol from a material or substrate without combusting the
material. The process includes loading material into an
aerosol-generating device for heating the material without
combusting the material. The aerosol-generating device is moved
into contact with a filter cartridge loaded on a sample cartridge
holder. A controlled puff volume is withdrawn from the exit of the
sample cartridge causing the collection of aerosol matter from the
aerosol-generating device on the filter pad of the sample
cartridge. The sample cartridge holder is then moved so that the
next consecutive sample cartridge is in alignment with the
aerosol-generating device. In this manner, the process is capable
of collecting aerosol matter samples in a puff by puff manner.
[0016] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are
discussed in greater detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure is
set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification,
including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an aerosol
matter collection device in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the aerosol matter
collection device as shown in FIG. 1 particularly illustrating a
docking device and sample cartridge holder;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a further perspective view of the docking device
and sample cartridge holder as illustrated in FIG. 2 further
showing sample cartridges loaded into the sample cartridge
holder;
[0021] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of sample cartridges that may
be used in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the sample cartridge
illustrated in FIG. 4A;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the opposite side of the
sample cartridge holder illustrated in FIG. 2 illustrating a
portion of an aerosol withdrawing device in accordance with the
present disclosure; and
[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an aerosol withdrawing
device in accordance with the present disclosure including a
distance sensor for monitoring and controlling puff volume in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0025] Repeat use of reference characters in the present
specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or
analogous features or elements of the present invention.
DEFINITIONS
[0026] As used herein, an aerosol-generating substrate is directed
to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can
form an aerosol. The aerosol-generating substrate can be a liquid,
a solid or a combination of both. The aerosol can be released from
the aerosol-generating substrate through heat or any other suitable
means. The aerosol-generating substrate can be adsorbed, coated,
impregnated or loaded onto a carrier or support. The
aerosol-generating substrate may also comprise a stand-alone solid,
a stand-alone liquid, a gel, or a combination or subcombination of
any of the above.
[0027] The aerosol-generating substrate can contain various
different components and drugs. For example, the aerosol-generating
substrate can contain nicotine and can comprise tobacco or can be
made from tobacco. The aerosol-generating substrate can also be
made from various other plants including cannabis and may contain
CBD and/or THC.
[0028] As used herein, an aerosol-generating device relates to a
device that interacts with an aerosol-generating substrate to
generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating substrate forms part of
an aerosol-generating article, for example part of a smoking
article. An aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more
components used to supply energy from a power supply to an
aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.
[0029] An aerosol-generating device may be described as a heated
aerosol-generating device, which is an aerosol-generating device
comprising a heater. The heater is preferably used to heat an
aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article to
generate an aerosol.
[0030] An aerosol-generating device may be an electrically heated
aerosol-generating device, which is an aerosol-generating device
comprising a heater that is operated by electrical power to heat an
aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article to
generate an aerosol. An aerosol-generating device may be a
fuel-heated aerosol-generating device. An aerosol-generating device
may be a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-generating
substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol
that is directly inhalable into a user's lungs thorough the user's
mouth. Examples of aerosol-generating devices include eHTP devices,
cHTP devices, aHTP devices, and the like as described in further
detail below.
[0031] Electrically Heated Tobacco Product (eHTP): A product
containing a tobacco substrate that is heated with an electrical
Tobacco Heating Device (THD) without combustion of the tobacco in
order to produce a nicotine containing aerosol. The eHTP category
includes products that contain a tobacco substrate and are designed
to be used with an electrical Tobacco Heating Device (THD) that
applies indirect resistive or inductive heating of the tobacco;
prevents combustion of the tobacco substrate; is battery powered;
has a puff count and/or use duration that is limited by either the
fixed size of the consumable (the HTP) or device hardware/software;
and are referred to as a Tobacco Heating System (THS) when used in
conjunction with a THD. The eHTP category may include products that
have a consumable with tobacco wrapped in paper or other material
to contain the tobacco substrate during use.
[0032] Carbon Heated Tobacco Product (cHTP): A product containing a
tobacco substrate that is heated by smouldering carbon in order to
produce a nicotine containing aerosol. The cHTP category includes
products that have a tobacco substrate in the consumable; indirect
heating of the tobacco by smouldering carbon; and a puff count
and/or duration that is limited to a single use occasion per
consumable. The cHTP category may include products that have a
disposable tobacco heating system; a carbon-based heat source where
smouldering is initiated by fire; and presence of
combustion-related constituents in the aerosol (e.g., Carbon
monoxide). The cHTP category does not include products that are
waterpipe tobacco products where tobacco is heated by smouldering
carbon. Examples of current worldwide commercial products that are
cHTPs include products named Eclipse, Revo, Teeps, iQOS, Glo, Lil,
MOK, Ploom S, and Pulze.
[0033] Aerosol Heated Tobacco Product (aHTP): A product containing
a tobacco substrate that is heated by an aerosol produced from an
electrical Tobacco Heating Device (THD) without combustion of the
tobacco in order to produce a nicotine containing aerosol. The aHTP
category includes products that contain a tobacco substrate. They
are designed to be used with an electrical Tobacco Heating Device
(THD) that produces an aerosol from an e-liquid based consumable
that heats the tobacco substrate; prevents combustion of the
tobacco substrate; is battery powered; has a puff count and/or use
duration that is limited by either the fixed size of the consumable
(the HTP) or device hardware/software; and are referred to as a
Tobacco Heating System (THS) when used in conjunction with a THD.
The aHTP category may include products that have a consumable with
tobacco wrapped in paper or other material to contain the tobacco
substrate during use of Indirect resistive (or inductive) heating
of the tobacco; and a tobacco consumable that is changed more
frequently than the e-liquid. The aHTP category does not include
products that have combustion of any material including tobacco.
The aHTPs are often referred to as "hybrids" and examples of
current worldwide commercial products that are aHTPs include
products named Ploom TECH, Ploom TECH+, iFuse, Glo Sens, and lil
Hybrid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
that the present discussion is a description of exemplary
embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader
aspects of the present disclosure.
[0035] The present disclosure is generally directed to an aerosol
matter collection device. The aerosol matter collection device is
well suited for collecting aerosol matter samples from
aerosol-generating devices. However, the device can be used to
collect any type of aerosol matter or particulate matter of smoke
sample. For instance, the device can be easily adapted to collect
smoke samples from combustible products, such as cigarettes. The
following description, however, will be more directed to collecting
aerosol matter samples from aerosol-generating devices where an
aerosol-generating substrate does not undergo combustion.
[0036] The aerosol matter collection device of the present
disclosure is capable of automatically collecting each puff aerosol
matter from an aerosol-generating device in separate sample
cartridges. Each sample cartridge can include a filter material,
such as a filter pad. In this manner, the contents of each puff
aerosol matter can be analyzed separately for determining not only
the relative amounts of components in each puff of aerosol matter
but also determining how the amount of each component changes from
puff to puff.
[0037] The aerosol matter collection device can include a mobile
docking device for supporting an aerosol-generating device
containing an aerosol-generating substrate. The docking device can
be adjusted to various different aerosol-generating devices and to
the size of the substrate contained in the device. For example,
when the aerosol-generating substrate is in the form of rods or
sticks, the docking device can be adapted to accommodate various
different rod diameters in conjunction with accommodating various
different heating systems contained in the aerosol-generating
device. The docking device holds the aerosol-generating device and
aligns the aerosol-generating device with a sample cartridge
holder.
[0038] The sample cartridge holder, which can be in the shape of a
motorized wheel, is configured to support a plurality of sample
cartridges. Each sample cartridge contains filter material and
includes an entrance and exit for allowing the recovery of aerosol
collection matter on the filter pad from one puff flowing through
the sample cartridge. The sample cartridge holder can have a
circumference and the sample cartridges can be positioned along the
circumference of the wheel. The position of the wheel can be
controlled automatically by a controller. For instance, the sample
cartridge holder can include various sensor cells that indicate the
position of the wheel. In general, any suitable filter material can
be contained in the sample cartridges. For example, in one
embodiment, the sample cartridges contain filter pads having a
diameter of from about 35 mm to about 50 mm.
[0039] The aerosol matter collection device further includes an
aerosol withdrawing device that can also be managed or controlled
by a controller. The aerosol withdrawing device can create a
suction force for withdrawing a puff of aerosol from an
aerosol-generating system positioned on the docking device. In one
aspect, the aerosol withdrawing device can be a pneumatic jack with
electrovalves for creating the suction force and for allowing
control of puff volume. In order to further control puff volume,
the aerosol matter collection device can further include a distance
sensor, such as a laser distance sensor, placed in conjunction with
the aerosol withdrawing device. The distance sensor can control
displacement of a pneumatic jack piston to control puff volume with
repeated accuracy. Moreover, the puff volume can be followed by the
controller during puffing and can detect immediately puff volume
variations versus limits defined or can detect defects in aerosol
generation from the heating design.
[0040] The aerosol matter collection device can further include a
pneumatic linear table system that allows for the connection
between the aerosol-generating device, a sample cartridge on the
sample cartridge holder, and the aerosol withdrawing device. The
sample cartridges, the aerosol-generating device, and/or the
aerosol withdrawing device can be fit with suitable gaskets to
permit the generation and collection of a puff of aerosol matter
without creating leaks. The docking device, the aerosol-generating
device, and the sample cartridges can be designed to ensure minimal
surface area to limit condensation before the aerosol contacting
the filter material within the sample cartridges.
[0041] A controller can be used to automatically run the process of
the present disclosure using the aerosol matter collection device.
The controller, which can comprise one or more microprocessors such
as one or more computers, can be configured to control the duration
of puffing, the puff interval, and rotation of the sample cartridge
holder during the process of collecting aerosol samples. For
example, in one embodiment, the controller moves the docking device
for causing an aerosol-generating device to engage a filter
cartridge positioned on the sample cartridge holder. For example,
in one embodiment, an aerosol-generating substrate contained within
the aerosol-generating device can be placed within the entrance of
a sample cartridge positioned on the sample cartridge holder. The
controller can then control the aerosol withdrawing device for
withdrawing a puff of aerosol from the aerosol-generating device.
The controller can control puff volume. The puff flows through the
sample cartridge for collecting an aerosol matter sample on the
filter material contained within the sample cartridge. The
controller then disengages the docking device from the sample
cartridge held on the sample cartridge holder and moves or rotates
the sample cartridge holder such that the next consecutive sample
cartridge is in alignment with the docking device for repeating the
process and collecting another aerosol sample by generating a
second puff of aerosol from the aerosol-generating device.
[0042] The aerosol matter collection device can include appropriate
counters for controlling the number of puffs generated and for
controlling the number of aerosol-generating substrates heated in a
puff per puff manner.
[0043] The process and system of the present disclosure provides
various advantages and benefits. For instance, the sample cartridge
holder can automatically generate aerosol puff samples on a filter
media for further analysis. The aerosol matter sample collected can
be on a puff by puff basis. In other aspects, however, one sample
cartridge can be used to collect samples from multiple puffs if
desired. Collecting samples on a puff by puff basis, however,
allows for not only a determination of the components in each puff
but also allows one to compare the different samples in order to
determine if the aerosol-generating device creates variable
deliveries during the course of use. In addition, the aerosol
matter collection device of the present disclosure allows for
various parameters to be controlled and varied. For instance, the
aerosol matter collection device can be used to control puff
volume, puff duration, puff interval, and the number of puffs
collected from a substrate during testing. In addition, the aerosol
matter collection device is designed to limit aerosol components
loss, water loss or gain on filter samples during the collection of
the puffs of aerosol.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, for instance, one embodiment of an
aerosol matter collection device 10 made in accordance with the
present disclosure is shown. As illustrated, the aerosol matter
collection device 10 includes a sample cartridge holder 12 for
holding a plurality of sample cartridges. In the embodiment
illustrated, the sample cartridge holder 12 is in the shape of a
wheel that rotates between stations. A different sample cartridge
is contained within the sample cartridge holder 12 at each
station.
[0045] Positioned in front of the sample cartridge holder 12 is a
docking device 14. The docking device 14 is for receiving an
aerosol-generating device. The docking device 14 is configured to
move the aerosol-generating device into engagement with a sample
cartridge contained on the sample cartridge holder 12.
[0046] The aerosol matter collection device 10 further includes an
aerosol withdrawing device 16 that is configured to withdraw a puff
of aerosol from an aerosol-generating device positioned on the
docking device 14. The aerosol withdrawing device 16 generates a
suction force and engages a sample cartridge contained on the
sample cartridge holder 12 on a side of the sample cartridge holder
12 opposite the docking device 14.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol matter collection device 10
can further include a controller 18 which, in this embodiment, is
illustrated as a computer or microprocessor with a touch screen 20.
In one aspect, the controller 18 can be configured to receive
inputs from a user for automatically collecting aerosol matter
samples. Using the touch screen 20, the user can input puff volume,
the number of samples to be collected, the number of
aerosol-generating substrates to be tested, and the like.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the sample cartridge holder 12
and the docking device 14 are shown in greater detail. The sample
cartridge holder 12 is in the shape of a wheel rotatably mounted
onto a frame 22. The sample cartridge holder 12 is in communication
with a motor that rotates the sample cartridge holder 12 during the
collection of aerosol samples. The sample cartridge holder 12
includes a first outer cover 24 spaced from a second outer cover
26. Positioned inbetween the first outer cover 24 and the second
outer cover 26 is a rotatable cartridge engaging section 50. As
shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge engaging section 50 is configured to
rotate between the two outer covers 24 and 26 and is for holding a
plurality of sample cartridges 28. As shown in FIG. 3, the sample
cartridges 28 can be equally spaced around the circumference of the
cartridge engaging section 50. The sample cartridges 28 are for
collecting aerosol samples.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, one embodiment of a sample
cartridge 28 is shown in greater detail. The sample cartridge 28
includes a housing 30 that defines an interior volume. The housing
30 defines an entrance 32 on one side and an exit 34 on an opposite
side of the housing. Contained within the sample cartridge 28 is a
filter material 36. The filter material 36 can be made from any
suitable material capable of collecting an aerosol sample. For
example, in one embodiment, the filter material 36 may be a
circular filter pad. In one aspect, the filter pad can have a
diameter of from about 30 mm to about 60 mm, such as from about 40
mm to about 48 mm. In one particular embodiment, the filter pad has
a diameter of about 44 mm. The filter pads are particularly well
suited for collecting a puff of aerosol generated during the
process.
[0050] In order to load and unload filter material 36 from the
sample cartridge 28, the housing 30 can be made from two
cooperating pieces that can be separated for loading and unloading
the filter material 36. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4B, the
housing 30 can include a first section 38 that can be coupled to
and uncoupled from a second section 40. The first section 38 can
form a fluid-tight fit with the second section 40.
[0051] The sample cartridge 28 can further include gaskets made
from a resilient material. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, for
instance, the entrance 32 can be surrounded by a first gasket 42
while the exit 34 can be surrounded by a second gasket 44. The
first gasket 42 is for forming a fluid-tight fit with an
aerosol-generating device for receiving a puff of aerosol. The
second gasket 44, on the other hand, is for forming a fluid-tight
fit with the aerosol withdrawing device 16 that is configured to
create a suction force that causes a controlled volume of aerosol
to flow through the sample cartridge 28 from the entrance 32 to the
exit 34 for collecting a sample on the filter material 36.
[0052] The sample cartridge holder 12 can be designed to hold any
suitable number of sample cartridges 28. For instance, the sample
cartridge holder 12 can hold from about four sample cartridges 28
to about 40 sample cartridges 28, including all increments of one
sample cartridge therebetween. For example, the sample cartridge
holder 12 can contain greater than about eight sample cartridges,
such as greater than about 10 sample cartridges, such as greater
than about 12 sample cartridges, such as greater than about 14
sample cartridges, such as greater than about 16 sample cartridges,
such as greater than about 18 sample cartridges, such as greater
than about 20 sample cartridges and can contain less than about 100
sample cartridges, such as less than about 50 sample cartridges,
such as less than about 30 sample cartridges, such as less than
about 20 sample cartridges, such as less than about 16 sample
cartridges.
[0053] In order to load and unload sample cartridges 28 into the
sample cartridge holder 12, in one embodiment, the first outer
cover 24 can include an opening 46 as shown in FIG. 2. The opening
46 can be used not only to cooperate with the docking device 14 but
can also be used to load and unload the sample cartridges 28. The
sample cartridges 28 can be held in between the first outer cover
24 and the second outer cover 26 of the sample cartridge holder 12
on the cartridge engaging section 50 using any suitable means. In
one embodiment, for instance, each sample cartridge 28 can include
a holder engaging portion 48 as shown in FIG. 4B. The holder
engaging portion 48 can be a tab or extension that extends from the
housing 30 of the sample cartridge 28. The cartridge engaging
section 50 positioned in between the first outer cover 24 and the
second outer cover 26, on the other hand, can include a plurality
of spaced apart openings. The holder engaging portion 48 of each
sample cartridge 28 can be sized to fit in one of the openings for
holding the sample cartridge 28 on the sample cartridge holder 12.
The openings on the cartridge engaging section 50 cooperate with
the aerosol withdrawing device 16 as the cartridge engaging section
50 rotates in between the first outer cover 24 and the second outer
cover 26.
[0054] The first outer cover 24 and the second outer cover 26 can
provide various benefits during collection of aerosol samples. The
outer covers 24 and 26, for instance, cover the sample cartridges
28 within the sample cartridge holder 12. In this manner, the outer
covers 24 and 26 limit aerosol components loss and water loss or
gain during sample collection on the filter material 36 contained
within the sample cartridges 28. The first outer cover 24 can be
configured to be manually movable for rotating the opening 46 in
order to facilitate loading and unloading of the sample cartridges
28.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first outer cover 24 is
positioned adjacent to the docking device 14. The docking device 14
is for holding and moving an aerosol-generating system. The docking
device 14 includes a tray 52 and an adjustable nozzle engaging
device 54. The nozzle engaging device 54 includes an adjustable
aperture 56. The aperture 56 is for receiving the nozzle of an
aerosol-generating device. The aperture 56 can be designed to
engage all different shapes and sizes depending upon the
aerosol-generating device. For example, in one embodiment, an
aerosol-generating substrate in the shape of a rod or stick is
inserted into the aerosol-generating device. In this embodiment,
the end of the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the
aperture 56 of the nozzle engaging device 54.
[0056] In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate may
comprise a liquid contained within the aerosol-generating system.
In this embodiment, the aerosol-generating device may include a
mouthpiece that is inserted into the aperture 56 of the nozzle
engaging device 54.
[0057] The docking device 14 can be movable relative to the sample
cartridge holder 12. For example, in one aspect, the docking device
14 can include a linear actuated motor that can move an
aerosol-generating device loaded onto the tray 52 towards and away
from the sample cartridge holder 12. For instance, an
aerosol-generating device can first be loaded with an
aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating device can be
actuated which can then, for instance, heat the aerosol-generating
substrate without creating combustion. A mouthpiece of the
aerosol-generating device, which can comprise the
aerosol-generating substrate when in the form of a solid rod, can
then be inserted into the aperture 56 of the nozzle engaging device
54. Once the aerosol-generating device is properly loaded into the
docking device 14, the docking device 14 can move the
aerosol-generating device into engagement with one of the sample
cartridges 28 held on the sample cartridge holder 12. In
particular, the docking device 14 can move the aerosol-generating
device from a non-engaging position towards the docking device 14
into an engaging position where the nozzle engaging device 54
places the mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating device against the
entrance 32 of a sample cartridge 28 on the sample cartridge holder
12. As described above, the sample cartridge 28 can include a
gasket for forming a fluid-tight fit with the mouthpiece of the
aerosol-generating device.
[0058] Once a puff of aerosol collection matter generated by the
aerosol-generating system flows through the sample cartridge 28,
the docking device 14 can move the aerosol-generating device from
the engaging position to a non-engaging position by moving the
aerosol-generating system away from the sample cartridge holder 12.
The cartridge engaging section 50 of the sample cartridge holder 12
can then be rotated causing the next consecutive sample cartridge
28 held on the sample cartridge holder 12 to rotate into alignment
with the docking device 14. The docking device 14 can then once
again move the aerosol-generating system from the non-engaging
position to the engaging position where a second puff of aerosol
collection matter is fed through the next consecutive sample
cartridge 28 for collecting a second aerosol sample. This process
can be repeated as much as desired or until the aerosol-generating
substrate has been depleted or during the period of heating of the
aerosol generating device. In this manner, each sample cartridge 28
can be used to collect an aerosol collection matter sample from
each single puff of aerosol.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the aerosol withdrawing device
16 is shown in greater detail. The aerosol withdrawing device 16
causes a controlled and adjustable volume of aerosol (i.e. a puff
of aerosol collection matter) to be extracted from an
aerosol-generating system loaded onto the docking device 14 while
in engagement with one of the sample cartridges 28. The aerosol
withdrawing device 16 includes a suction nozzle 58 positioned
adjacent to the second outer cover 26 of the sample cartridge
holder 12 on a side of the sample cartridge holder 12 opposite the
docking device 14. The suction nozzle 58 is in fluid communication
with a cylinder 60 that creates the suction force. The cylinder 60
is controlled by a distance sensor 62.
[0060] For example, the cylinder 60 can be a pneumatic or hydraulic
cylinder that includes a plunger 64 contained within the
cylindrical tube 60. Withdrawing the plunger 64 from the cylinder
60 creates a suction force that is fed to the suction nozzle 58.
The suction nozzle 58 is positioned on the sample cartridge holder
12 so as to be in alignment with the exit 34 of a sample cartridge
28 that is in an engaging position with an aerosol-generating
device loaded onto the docking device 14. As described above, each
aerosol collection matter sample cartridge 28 can include a gasket
that forms a fluid-tight fit with the suction nozzle 58. In one
embodiment, the cylinder 60 is a pneumatic jack with electrovalves
for creating suction and exhausting a puff of aerosol. The distance
sensor 62 is for controlling the displacement of the plunger 64 for
controlling puff volume. In one embodiment, for instance, the
distance sensor 62 includes a laser that is aligned to contact a
plate 66. The plate 66 is connected to the plunger 64 and moves
back and forth as the plunger is displaced. In this manner, the
laser within the distance sensor 62 can accurately measure the
amount the plunger 64 withdraws from the cylinder 60 for
controlling the amount of suction provided to the suction nozzle 58
and thereby controlling and registering the volume of a puff of
aerosol received from an aerosol-generating system positioned in
the docking device 14.
[0061] For example, the aerosol withdrawing device 16 can control
the puff volume in a range of from about 35 ml to about 100 ml in
increments of 0.2 ml. The puff volume can be uniform during sample
collection. The puff volume can be set depending on the particular
aerosol-generating substrate being consumed, based on the type of
aerosol-generating device loaded onto the docking device 14, or
based on a desired testing regime.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 1 and as described above, the system of the
present disclosure can include a controller 18 which may include a
touch screen 20. The touch screen 20 can allow a user to initiate
the aerosol matter collection device and to run the process
according to different user inputted parameters. For instance, the
touch screen can be used to select the aerosol generating method,
begin the process of puffing, allow for puff volume adjustments,
and allow for time intervals between each process step.
[0063] For example, in one embodiment, the sample cartridge holder
12, the docking device 14, and the aerosol withdrawing device 16
can all be in communication with the controller 18, which may
comprise one or more microprocessors. The controller can control
movement of the docking device 14 and movement of the cartridge
engaging section 50 of the sample cartridge holder 12 so that the
docking device 14 and the sample cartridge holder 12 move in a
synchronized manner. The controller 18 can also be in communication
with the aerosol withdrawing device 16 for causing periodic
withdrawing of a puff of aerosol collection matter from an
aerosol-generating system positioned on the docking device 14 when
a sample cartridge 28 is in alignment with an aerosol-generating
system positioned on the docking device 14. For instance, the
controller 18 can be in communication with the cylinder 60 and the
distance sensor 62 for controlling and adjusting puff volume and
the interval between the puffs. For example, in one embodiment,
once an aerosol-generating substrate in aerosol generating device
has been loaded into the system and is engaged with a sample
cartridge 28 on the sample cartridge holder 12, the controller can
initiate a puff by controlling the aerosol withdrawing device 16
and collect the aerosol matter through the sample cartridge 28. The
time it takes for a puff of aerosol to be collected can generally
be greater than about 1 second, such as greater than about 2
seconds, such as greater than about 3 seconds, and generally less
than about 6 seconds, such as less than about 4 seconds. The most
widely used duration is currently 2 s for heated product such as
eHTP, cHTP. The puff duration is generally 3 s for e cigarette and
hybrid tobacco products. After a puff of aerosol matter is
collected in a sample cartridge 28, the cartridge engaging section
50 of the sample cartridge holder 12 is rotated. The controller can
control the period of time between puffs of aerosol depending upon
movement of the different pieces of equipment contained within the
system and the puff interval defined for aerosol generating method.
In general, the period of time between taking samples is from about
6 seconds to about 60 seconds. The controller can also include a
built-in counter to control the number of puffs generated from a
single aerosol-generating device. A counter can also be included to
control the number of aerosol-generating substrates or stick tested
and the number of aerosol puffs collected on each aerosol
collection cartridge on a puff per puff basis. The controller can
also include a counter to indicate when each of the sample
cartridges contained on the sample cartridge holder 12 have
received an aerosol sample and thus are ready to be removed from
the sample cartridge holder 12.
[0064] Once aerosol matter samples are collected on the filter
material 36 of the sample cartridges 28, the filter material can be
removed from the sample cartridges and fed through any suitable
analysis. For instance, the samples can be tested for the presence
of different components contained in the aerosol collected matter
and the amount of each component. The system of the present
disclosure provides various benefits. For instance, the system can
collect multiple aerosol samples from the same aerosol-generating
substrate without having to use different machines. In addition,
the system is completely automated.
[0065] The process and system of the present disclosure may be
better understood with reference to the following examples.
EXAMPLE NO. 1
[0066] The following example was conducted in order to demonstrate
that the system and process of the present disclosure is as
accurate as a commercial smoking machine.
[0067] In this example, HEETS AMBER brand heat not burn sticks
commercially available from Philip Morris purchased in France were
tested. The heat t not burn device used to test the heat t not burn
sticks in the system of the present disclosure was an IQOS brand
device.
[0068] The heated tobacco product sticks were inserted into the
system of the present disclosure and were inserted into a
commercial linear smoking machine. The commercial machine used was
a Borgwaldt RM4 smoking machine. Both systems were set at two
second puffs duration with a puff volume of 55 mL. The puff
interval was set at 30 seconds according to Health Canada intense
smoking regime.
[0069] The aerosol matter from ten heated tobacco product sticks in
aerosol generating devices were tested in the system of the present
disclosure in a puff per puff collection manner meaning that each
puff was collected successively in a different sample cartridge.
Each sample cartridge will collect 1 puff of each HTP sticks with a
total amount of ten puff at the end of smoking session. The aerosol
matter from three heated tobacco product sticks in aerosol
generating devices were collected in the commercial smoking
machine. All puffs were collected together.
[0070] The following results were obtained:
TABLE-US-00001 Aerosol Collection Matter mg/stick Mean .+-. IC
Replicats Smoking Conditions 95% Number Borgwaldt RM4 3 sticks (12
puffs) on a 41.2 .+-. 1.8 4 smoking machine (all filter holder puff
collection) System of Present 10 sticks (12 puffs) on 42.5 .+-. 1.2
4 Disclosure (puff per 12 filter holders puff collection)
[0071] As shown above, the system and process of the present
disclosure was very comparable to the commercial smoking
machine.
EXAMPLE NO. 2
[0072] The following example demonstrates some of the advantages
and benefits of the process and system of the present
disclosure.
[0073] The system of the present disclosure was used to test the
same HTP sticks used in Example No. 1 and using the same HTP
device. The aerosol matter of HTP sticks in aerosol generating
heating device were collected in the apparatus of the present
disclosure. The apparatus was set at two second puff duration,
wherein each puff had a volume of 55 mL. The puff interval was set
at 10 seconds. Ten heat not burn sticks were tested in a puff by
puff collection process.
[0074] Each puff was analyzed for aerosol collection mass,
nicotine, and glycerin. The following results were obtained:
TABLE-US-00002 Aerosol Collection Mass Puff (mg/puff avg.) Cl95%
ACM 1 2.79 0.41 2 3.86 0.34 3 3.69 0.38 4 3.50 0.52 5 3.20 0.42 6
2.86 0.31 7 2.62 0.30 8 2.31 0.26 9 2.08 0.29 10 1.83 0.34 11 1.58
0.25 12 1.42 0.18
CI Confidence Interval at 95%
TABLE-US-00003 [0075] Nicotine Puff (mg/puff avg.) Cl 95% Nicotine
1 0.0565 0.0079 2 0.0724 0.0107 3 0.0710 0.0069 4 0.0749 0.0059 5
0.0752 0.0065 6 0.0729 0.0081 7 0.0737 0.0066 8 0.0703 0.0058 9
0.0667 0.0058 10 0.0632 0.0058 11 0.0607 0.0073 12 0.0571
0.0058
TABLE-US-00004 Glycerin Puff (mg/puff avg.) Cl 95% Glycerin 1 0.224
0.0495 2 0.2599 0.0722 3 0.2316 0.0504 4 0.2408 0.0413 5 0.2418
0.0374 6 0.237 0.0326 7 0.2278 0.0335 8 0.2205 0.0335 9 0.2105
0.0301 10 0.1895 0.0265 11 0.1755 0.025 12 0.1499 0.0195
[0076] As shown above, the system and process of the present
disclosure is capable of monitoring each puff generated by the
heated tobacco products.
[0077] These and other modifications and variations to the present
invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art,
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended
claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the
various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part.
Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is
not intended to limit the invention so further described in such
appended claims.
* * * * *